R2L NextGen

About

Each year, CHCI brings students in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade to participate in the R2L NextGen program, a week-long leadership training in Washington, DC. During the program students gain a deeper understanding of the importance of their role as engaged citizens, meet with key leaders, participate in study visits at historic sites and develop a deeper understanding of how they can affect positive change in their communities and their nation. To learn more about the daily activities, click here.

This program is made possible at no cost to participants with the support of founding sponsor State Farm®, as well as Southwest Airlines, the Official Airline Sponsor of the 2015 Leadership Development Programs. The program is held in partnership with the Close Up Foundation.

What is the R2L NextGen Program?

CHCI will bring high school students from across the nation to Washington, D.C. to spend five days learning about how the Federal Government works, meeting important leaders, visiting historic sites and developing a deeper understanding of how they can affect positive change in their communities and their nation.

When is it?

The program will take place in Washington, D.C. from July 26 - July 31, 2015.

Who is eligible?

Students who wish to apply must:

Be a current 9th, 10th, or 11th grade student;

Demonstrate interest in learning more about civic engagement;

Reside in one of the following geographic regions identified for eligibility, including:

Atlanta

Central Valley of California

Chicago

Dallas, Texas

Nashville

New York

Northern New Jersey

Puerto Rico

Rio Grande Valley of Texas

San Jose

Southern California

South Florida

Washington, D.C. area

All individuals are welcome to apply. However, preference is given to individuals with financial need.

Many of the locations are affiliated with a Ready to Lead event. While attending a Ready to Lead event is not required in order to apply, attendance at Ready to lead will be considered during the selection process. For more information about the Ready to lead program, click here.

What if I don't live or attend high school in one of the identified regions?

Unfortunately, students who do not reside or attend high school in a pre-identified region are not eligible to apply for the R2L Next Gen program. Since R2L Next Gen is made possible at no cost to our student participants, applicants are only sought from regions where CHCI has dedicated financial support. This is the fifthyear CHCI is hosting the R2L Next Gen Program. We hope to be able to continue to grow this program in the future and open it up to more students.

If you are a student who is not eligible, but you are interested in participating in the future, please like us on Facebook, where we post updates about programs and opportunities across the country. Not on Facebook? Send us an email at ProgramsR2L@chci.org with your name, high school, city and state. We'll keep you posted about new opportunities as we grow!

If you are an adult, we’d love to bring high school students from your community to D.C., but we need your help to fund this important program. If you are interested in having individuals from your community participate in this program, please contact Aly Mennuti at amennuti@chci.org. We are willing to work collaboratively to identify partners, businesses, or foundations in your local community that may be interested in sponsoring future Latino leaders.

How much does it cost?

There is no cost to student participants. Travel, lodging, meals and activities will all be covered through the support of our generous sponsors and CHCI.

Will there be chaperones?

CHCI and Close Up staff will supervise students at all times upon their arrival in Washington, D.C. However, chaperones for travel are not provided. Students will not be supervised by any CHCI or Close Up Foundation staff beyond the airport security gate in Washington, D.C. or at any time in their home city.

Schools, districts, or programs are welcome to send a chaperone to participate in the program at their own expense. Contact CHCI for pricing information.

What will I need for my application?

The 2015 application will be available online at apply.chci.org on January 21, 2015. Please complete your application from your designated region.

What will students do in Washington, DC?

The program is packed with exciting opportunities for participants to engage with other student leaders, network with Latino professionals, visit historic sites, and learn more about their role as leaders in their communities and the nation. Please note that the entire program is presented in English. For a summary of 2014 activities, click here.

Sunday

Welcome and Orientation from CHCI

Student Dinner

Workshops

Orientation

Site Visit

Monday

Breakfast

Jefferson Memorial Study Visit

FDR Memorial Study Visit

Lunch & Museum Study Visit

Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum

Latinos & Public Policy Seminar

Student Dinner

Domestic Issues Workshop & Debate

Tuesday

Breakfast

WWII, Korean, Vietnam, and Lincoln Memorial Study Visits

Lunch at National Place

Embassy Visit

Dinner at Pentagon City mall

Capitol Hill Prep Workshop

Wednesday

Visit Capitol Hill

Congressional Breakfast

Discussion with Esther Aguilera

Mentoring

Congressional Insights

Lunch with the CHCI Congressional Interns

Congressional Meetings

Dinner at Union Station

Cultural Event

Thursday

Breakfast

Impact on Health Care Reform on Latino Seminar

Mentoring

Neighborhood Study Visit

Lunch with CHCI staff

Workshops

Farewell Dinner and Concluding Activities

Friday

Breakfast

Depart for home

Who should I contact if I have more questions?

We are happy to answer your questions. Please contact Evelyn Garcia Morales, Manager of Educational Enrichment Programs, at Egarciamorales@chci.org and she will get back to you soon.